The Elephant Man is based on the real life of Joseph Merrick, and tells the story of a 19th-century British man (Cooper) whose severe disfigurement made him a star of the traveling freak show circuit. When the renowned Dr. Treves (Alessandro Nivola) takes Merrick under his care at the London Hospital, he discovers that beneath this shocking exterior lies a brilliant mind and an unshakable faith.

Soon all of Victorian high society becomes fascinated by Merrick, especially a beautiful actress who is played by Academy Award nominee Patricia Clarkson. But with Merrick's new life comes new complexity… and a "normal” existence begins to seem all but impossible.